Okay, so this sounds like a joke, but here it goes…Two San Diego Zoo keepers, a porcupine, and two tortoises get on a plane in San Diego. However there is no punch line, at least not yet, but there is a big adventure at hand for all involved.

This week we are headed to New York, kicking off our media tour to tell everyone about all the exciting things happening at the Zoo’s Polar Bear Plunge this spring (March 2010). You may or may not have heard, but we are currently updating the public side of Polar Bear Plunge. By all means, these updates will be very educational, but also very fun! But I’ll write more about all of the things going on at Polar Bear Plunge in another post (or you can take a peek here) Right now, I want to share with you the adventure we are currently on.

As I write this, we are in the air flying in a cargo plane to New York. Yes, you read that correctly, a cargo plane. We need to fly with our animals, and with current safety regulations, we could not just bring a prehensile-tailed porcupine as a carry-on. Thus, we booked ourselves in jumper seats so we could sit right next to our beloved animals the whole way!

Of course, this begs the question, what do you do when you are told you are going to New York with a porcupine and two tortoises? Well, after the initial excitement of it all wears off, you start planning. In fact, there are a lot of meetings and e-mails, and more meetings and more e-mails. You would be amazed at how many people have worked so hard behind the scenes to make sure everything was in order for this trip.

One of the main concerns was making sure our animals would have all the amenities of the San Diego Zoo when on the road. Some of the things on the list: travel crates – check! Favorite branches for perching on – check! Favorite foods from our forage warehouse – check! Bottled water – check! Preferred enrichment items – check! Favorite bedding – check! Favorite Personal Zookeeper – check!

With everything packed and ready to go, we left for our big adventure to New York early Sunday morning (January 31). Monday, February 1, will be a day for all of us to adjust to the time change and get ready for Tuesday. In fact, you will be able to see us on national TV Tuesday morning! Just tune into The CBS Early Show, and you’ll get to see our prehensile-tailed porcupine, the Madagascan spider tortoise, the Burmese star tortoise, and a couple more!

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Grace

Posted February 1, 2010 at 4:40 PM

This article coincides with an NPR report on how to FedEx a panda to China! As many know, Tai Shan is returning to China after spending five years here at the National Zoo. I imagine shipping one of them back to their native habitat takes some planning like this but far more complex. Thanks for the update, and I will be watching The CBS Early Show tomorrow online!

Margaret from VA

Posted February 1, 2010 at 4:50 PM

Thanks for sharing your adventure Rick. I hope I remember to tune in tomorrow morning to see you live.

Margaret from VA

Posted February 1, 2010 at 5:09 PM

I LOVE the new Polar Bear web site. So totally up to date technologically, very pleasing and tantalizing to the visual senses. Sounds like Rick and friends (human and animal) are on a great adventure to New York to promote the Polar Bear Plunge enhancements.

Great intimate closeup of polar bear lounging on rocks. Spread eagle on their back with everything showing! Really enjoying themself for sure. Not sure if it is Chinook with remenants of her shaved belly or Kalluk. Whoever it is has a very furry body and round tummy. Price-less pose. Hope someone caught it on camera for your archives.

susan

Posted February 1, 2010 at 10:20 PM

Thanks Rick for sharing your adventure with us. The animals are very lucky to have you there with them giving them the extra TLC (as all celebrities deserve.) Look forward to seeing you and the gang on CBS Tuesday morning.

barbara

Posted February 2, 2010 at 10:41 AM

Rick, I got to watch on line this afternoon, loved all the critters . The artic fox was beautiful and the lynx was just amazing. It’s so sad that people don’t realize that if something isn’t done that they will be a thing of the past. Your piece was so informative and I hope it makes people wake up and think about things. Hope you have3 a great tour.

Margaret from VA

Posted February 2, 2010 at 5:00 PM

Hi, Rick, saw you on the Early Show this morning with all the critters. I missed the intro so not sure what was said about Polar Bear Plunge. Tried to catch the rerun online but didn’t see it. Since Barbara mentioned seeing it online I will look again. Maybe they posted the taped version later in the day.

Susan (UK)

Posted February 3, 2010 at 1:07 AM

Hope you, and the animals, all have a great time. Did the porcupine remember to pack his/her camera?

Grace

Posted February 3, 2010 at 3:21 PM

I saw the video online, and it was fascinating to see the small arctic fox being so shy and timid. I am glad that she was able to find comfort in the arms of her trusted keeper. I only wish that CBS had allotted more time for the special segment!

susan

Posted February 4, 2010 at 11:01 AM

Hi Rick. You did a really great job on the Morning Show. Very poised, in command and quite knowledgeable. Well done! My favorite part of the segment was your holding the artic fox. The cute furry friend just looked so cozy and comfortable in your arms. Your appearance on the show helps us to further understand and appreciate these amazing animals. The segment truly gives light to their value and the importance of preservation. This way, they can be around for the children of our future to appreciate.

Too funny! I saw that black bear, too! I wished they had time lapse video so I could’ve watched him in all his glory. He was one black bear! And yes, too tired to jump into the water. He assumed the position, both front paws were practically in the pool, butt in the air. He was even dropping carrots in to the water as if he was baiting himself to go in. Finally some other bear rushed him into the water. What a riot those three were yesterday.

Aunt Nancy

Posted February 5, 2010 at 11:11 AM

I want to know how I can sign up a polar bear w/OCD to swim laps for our swimathon? It’s a school fundraiser for some high school students who will be traveling to Rome in April. Geez, even a penny a lap for that bear who has been swimming all morning, flip turns and all, could send at least a couple of kids there at no cost! That bear is going to sleep like a log this afternoon!

Mike

Posted February 5, 2010 at 3:25 PM

Cool!

cindy in KC

Posted February 6, 2010 at 10:19 AM

all 3 polie’s swimming laps! too cool!

cindy in KC

Posted February 7, 2010 at 8:29 PM

at 530 pm your time, one polie sleeping under the edge of the rock ledge.. blinking eyes like just drifitng off– checked at 10 30 your time- polie still under the rock in the dark fast asleep!
how funny!

brittany

Posted February 23, 2010 at 12:05 PM

porcupines are so awsome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Threre Great

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